Larimer gulls

[Nick Komar]

I toured lakes in and around Loveland, CO yesterday afternoon (southeast Larimer County). Horseshoe Lake is currently the main gull hangout. Large gulls were mainly in the southwest lobe, with several hundred California Gulls (including at least one apparent "albertaensis" from the Canadian breeding range), an adult Thayer's and dozens of Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls (I counted 14 adults of the latter!). Smaller gulls were mainly at the northeast corner near the farm pond on the north side of 57th street. The Ring-billed Gull flock has swollen to multiple thousands. I did not find any Mew Gulls but this would be the place to look for them (a couple immatures were reported in the area by other birders last week). A straggler immature Franklin's Gull was in the flock.

Access to the southwest lobe of Horseshoe Lake is tricky. I walked in along the inlet canal where a sign indicates private property and that fishermen are welcome. I hope it applies to birders as well.

Also of note was a Ross's Goose hanging with Canada's along the north shore of Lake Loveland (photo).

Nick Komar
Fort Collins CO